TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hi! Honestly, I’d say if it’s a firm you’re really keen on, try your best to apply within the first third of the window. Even for firms that aren’t rolling, being early can sometimes help. That said, for many rolling firms, they don’t actually start progressing people until much later — but personally I wouldn’t risk leaving it too late.

Hello @ZNadeem
I wanted to apply to Mayer brown but I really would like to attend an open day before I submit my application. So, is it better to wait until after the open day to apply, or should I just submit earlier? The open day would be towards the end of October and Mayer Brown is rolling.

 

[Shahenshah]

For all those with Jones Day interviews, is it for the winter scheme or the later ones?

Winter for me

 

[Shahenshah]

For those who got a jones interview, Congratulations!!!
I just wanted to ask if you all got high 2.1's or first
Thank you!

I got a 2.2 in my first year, 2.1 in my second and third, and then First in my fourth, graduating with a First

 

[Shahenshah]

hey which scheme did you apply for winter or spring and when did you apply

Winter, 3rd Sep

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Quick question- how do you get TCL A Gold this year? I can’t seem to find it on the main page like I did last year. The only option I see is Premium. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[jojo23]

Is Freshfields's WG automatically this year? I saw on their website "Within 72 working hours of submitting your application, you’ll receive an invitation to complete our online assessment."

Are you sure it's a wg? The wording of it sounds like it could be an sjt or behavioural one.. "This is your chance to showcase your strengths through interactive tasks and scenarios that reflect life at Freshfields and the role you’re applying for.

We encourage you to approach the online assessment authentically and thoughtfully – it’s your opportunity to show us how you think and work."

 

[noahsmiit01]

For those who applied for the A&O Winter Vac Scheme, do they send an automatic SJT with VI or just SJT only?

 

[dannyp123]

For those who applied for the A&O Winter Vac Scheme, do they send an automatic WG with VI or just WG only?

Wait do you mean their SJT with VI?

 

[dannyp123]

For those who applied for the A&O Winter Vac Scheme, do they send an automatic SJT with VI or just SJT only?

Yeah it's an SJT combined with some numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning questions. Then a few motivational VI questions come up. You can find more info here: https://earlycareersuk.aoshearman.c...nal-judgement-test-what-it-and-how-prepare-it

 

[amrita6399]

Is Dechert rolling or non-rolling? Thank you!

 

[Amz2006]

hi when do we hear from tcla about their open day

 

[Amz2006]

ps i heard back from hsf kramer a few moments ago and have been invited for an open day

 

[studenttolawyer]

Just did the Macfarlanes Simulate assessment and wishing luck for everyone going into it.

I know a lot of people wanted to know what it involves. Macfarlanes' email says "Integrity is one of our core values at Macfarlanes. We kindly ask that you complete the assessment independently and avoid sharing its content with others." - I think based on this it is only fair that no one has shared their experience (at least publicly). Also, it is only fair that we all enter the assessment with a degree of not knowing what it may involve. This way no one has an advantage.

I think I tried my best. At very least, it was interesting to practice video questions, especially some unexpected ones. Good luck to everyone doing this assessment! My only advice is always be yourself.

 

[Amz2006]

guys does anyone have any advice about Pinsent and Masons blended assessment

 

[Amz2006]

has anyone done the ao amberjack test

 

[TC seeker]

@vera.mekhonoshina Does TCLA still review CV？I cannot find the link

 

[TC seeker]

Are you sure it's a wg? The wording of it sounds like it could be an sjt or behavioural one.. "This is your chance to showcase your strengths through interactive tasks and scenarios that reflect life at Freshfields and the role you’re applying for.

We encourage you to approach the online assessment authentically and thoughtfully – it’s your opportunity to show us how you think and work."

I‘m not sure，last year they used both SJT and WG，but I‘m not sure about this year.

 

[lawyersum]

I‘m not sure，last year they used both SJT and WG，but I‘m not sure about this year.

This year they've removed the 850 word personal statement and replaced it with a short application form (probably detailing grades, personal info) and a blended interactive assessment which will probably form the bulk of their decision-making. The assessment sounds mainly SJT based.

 

[TC seeker]

This year they've removed the 850 word personal statement and replaced it with a short application form (probably detailing grades, personal info) and a blended interactive assessment which will probably form the bulk of their decision-making. The assessment sounds mainly SJT based.

Are you sure？I think they still haven‘t open the application？

 

[User5678]

YALL THE MACFARLANES SECOND ASSESSMENT WAS SO HARD😭😭😭 There was no time at all to analyse the info and along with it, prep your answer, for some of the questions